The Saw Doctors swapped their beloved N17 for the M27 to treat Wickham Festival fans to another fabulous show.
By public demand, the boys from Tuam were headlining here for the third time in five years – and they get better with each visit.
With such a vast back catalogue, they are able to vary their set-list (see pic below) to ensure it is always fresh while still containing all the crowd-pleasers like I Useta Love Her, Red Cortina, Hay Wrap and of course N17.
They also threw in a couple of new numbers – You Were Beautiful and Guards – and squeezed in the Green and Red of Mayo which has become the anthem of the Gaelic Football team which last week won the All-Ireland final for the first time in 75 years.
The early slot (followed by a pulsating DJ set from the Dhol Foundation) meant they were able to extend their set by 10 minutes to the delight of the crowd.
It also prevented what would have been a calamitous clash with Ferocious Dog who headlined the other stage on their final appearance at Wickham before disbanding in the autumn.
Over the years they have worked their way up the bill to become top dogs and it is easy to see why as they powered through a superb 75-minute set.
Their social conscience politics struck a real chord with the crowd who have taken the group to their hearts, even forming a circle pit under the command of lead singer Ken Bonsall.
After taking the festival to his heart, he insisted there was no way the band would miss Wickham off their farewell tour which also calls in to Southampton’s 1865 on October 24. Inevitably, their final number was the powerful, passionate and poignant Slow Motion Suicide which had the Little Top bouncing.
But there may be some hope for fans. Asked about the possibility of a reunion tour, he replied: “Never say never!” And John Jones has proved that breaking up doesn’t mean the end of the road.
A year ago, the Oysterband played their penultimate UK show at Wickham before splitting. Just 12 months later and the lead singer was back after forming the John Jones Trio with band members Ray Cooper and Al Scott.
Their set went down well fans who enjoyed the development and experiment with old favourites and new material.
Other highlights from a brilliant day in the sunshine included Kathryn Tickell and the Darkening followed by Dervish on the Main Stage with the Amy Winehouse Band proving popular in the Little Top alongside Black Umfolosi.
And there was a stunning Wickham debut for folk-punk band Black Water County who wowed the crowd with a raucous set.
The final day of the festival sees a change in tone again with renowned American singer-songwriter Curtis Stigers returning – again by public demand – following his hugely popular bow two years ago.
He is followed by the evergreen and ever-popular Proclaimers to close the weekend on the main stage with Jack Broadbent and Project Smok bringing down the curtain in the Little Top.
The Wickham Festival is known for its chilled atmosphere and the Sunday is usually the most laid-back of the four days. Tickets are available at the box office or at www.wickhamfestival.co.uk Those who want to book for next year before they leave can save £100 on a weekend ticket!
